Oat noodles (莜面 "youmian")

Oats are a low-yield crop with short growth period and are saline-alkaline and cold resistant. They are nutritious and have been a staple of farmers since the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589). They have been planted on a larger scale since the beginning of the Qing Dynasty and are a popular local dish. Two of the more popular restaurants are "Xibei" and "Banmudi".